ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid recently unveiled his initial ranking of the top 50 prospects for the 2026 NFL draft class, as well as who he sees as the top prospects at each position.
Three Clemson players are ranked among Reid’s top 50 overall draft prospects – defensive tackle Peter Woods, cornerback Avieon Terrell and defensive end T.J. Parker.
Woods landed at No. 10 on the list.
“Woods entered the season as my top-ranked player, and even though Clemson hasn’t had the season it envisioned, Woods continues to flash in a major way,” Reid wrote. “He is an explosive penetrator who causes frequent disruption at the first level in defending the run and rushing the passer. He has two sacks this season after notching three as a sophomore in 2024.”
Terrell, meanwhile, checked in at No. 22.
“The younger brother of Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr., Avieon Terrell is a feisty playmaker,” Reid wrote. “His nine pass breakups this season are tied for 14th most among FBS defensive backs, and his seven career forced fumbles are tied for seventh in Clemson history. Despite his size, Terrell has inside and outside flexibility. He is also an intense tackler in run support. His size and traits are similar to Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.”
As for Parker, he is ranked 10 spots behind Terrell at No. 32.
“Thought of as one of the class’ premier edge rushers entering the season, Parker hasn’t lived up to expectations,” Reid wrote. “He has only two sacks this season after racking up 11 as a sophomore in 2024. He flashes his power and pop in his hands, but Parker has average bend at the top of his pass-rush attempts and is inconsistent in his ability to get clean wins around the edge. He’s capable of setting a violent edge in run defense and has the strength to extend and shed in-line blockers, which will get him on the field early in the NFL.”
Regarding Reid’s positional rankings, Woods is the top-ranked defensive tackle, while Parker is the No. 7 edge rusher, and Terrell is the third-ranked cornerback.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.